Student killed in car accident

barker, 17, was junior at Kittatinny Regional

By Jessica LopezNEWTON — Kittatinny Regional High School and its community are mourning the loss of junior Lindsay Barker, who was killed in an early morning car accident on Thursday, June 19.

Barker was driving south on Rt. 94 in Frelinghuysen when she lost control of the SUV she was driving, which struck a tree stump, a fence and some trees before catching fire, authorities said.

Barker was ejected from her vehicle after driving across the opposite lane, according to the New Jersey State Police.

The accident remains under investigation as authorities are trying to piece together why Barker lost control of the 2008 Ford Escape she was driving.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Barker family during this very traumatic time and we can only hope to be an effective support system for the parents and her sisters and family as they attempt to deal with such an unfortunate loss of a great kid,” Superintendent Craig Hutcheson said.

Numerous viewings were held for the 17-year-old.

She was a resident of the Paulinskill Lake section of Stillwater. Results from the autopsy, which is being performed by the Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office, may take some time.

“Due to the fact it will take a more extensive investigation [because of the fire], it could be a few weeks before we have results,” said New Jersey State Trooper Alina Spies.

The Green Township Fire Department and Allamuchy First Aid responded to the scene, which occurred at approximately 3:30 a.m. on June 19. Barker was declared dead at the scene.

“Every accident is different,” said State Trooper Lois Valle. “Nobody was around, so we don’t know for sure what happened [yet].”

Both the Sussex County and State Police are investigating the cause of the accident.